PWA IRISH WAVE GRAND PRIX DAY 2

PWA IRISH WAVE GRAND PRIX DAY 2

Friday October 4, 2002
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Brandon Bay became a sea of color today as 67 contestants for this year s
PWA Irish Wave Grand Prix, which is presented by Bord Fáilte, descended

upon the beach to check out conditions for today s windsurfing
competition. Following mixed weather forecasts, the judges were out early
surveying wind levels and direction. As it was, everyone was hoping to
kick off as early as possible.

While waiting for the judges to come to a decision, most windsurfers
grabbed the opportunity to take to the water. Though the conditions were
obviously marginal it was difficult to resist the fantastic sunshine and
the waves of Brandon Bay.

By 11.30 a.m. things were looking up. It was decided to get on with the
days proceedings and launch right into the first heats. Unfortunately the
good wind conditions that had developed were not to last, and competition
was abandoned without a full heat being completed. With high hopes of
continuing in the afternoon, everyone waited on the beach for conditions
to improve.

While the food proved a popular distraction, most eyes remained on the
surf. The USA s Kevin Pritchard (Gaastra, BIC) remained focused. I haven t
been in the water yet today. I guess I m just waiting for the competition
to start up really I m concentrating all my energy there.

Meanwhile the judges attention was brought to a strengthening
southwesterly wind. Binoculars were raised and heads scratched, but
despite some sailors carving up the waves, it was not quite enough for
competition. Despite the frustration one of the judges, Martyn Soolingen
commented; I love judging these competitions. You have to be so focused
when it s going on you just don t get a break. Then you get times like
this, when it s just a waiting game. It s all just part of the sport.
Despite much finger-crossing and hoping the wait was over by 5:00 p.m. as
it was decided to hold back on beginning the competition altogether until
Saturday morning.

So looking forward to the weekend, it s all to play for!

Tonight spectators are heading down to Castlegregory and Fitzgerald s for
a late-night party with popular Irish band Bog the Donkey. Even some of
the competitors may not be able to resist.

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